Pre-Columbian Tairona Jade Stone Ceremonial Axe / Weapon | Colombia, Tairona | Written on the underside is "Tairona" | Includes stand | Approx. With the stand: Size: 9" H; Weapon Only: 8.5" H x 2" W.The Shipibo and Conibo tribes live in the jungle in north-eastern Peru along the Ucayali River Ð a major tributary to the Amazon River. These tribes are known for the unique and complex geometric patterns with which they decorate their ceramic pots and other tools and utensils. The patterned pots have been known since AD 800 and form a distinctive cultural feature separating the Shipibo-Conibo from other Indian tribes in the lowlands of north-eastern Peru. Ceramic art is a significant element of tribal identity. The pots are hand-modelled using the coiling technique. After that, they are decorated with slip using either a white or red background colour and then burnished before being finally painted with the characteristic white or black geometric patterns. After being fired in a bonfire, the pots are then treated with resin that serves the double purpose of sealing them as well as accentuating the patterns. The pots are produced by the women in the village. The patterns have evolved over time and they spring from a dynamic tradition that is very much alive: each village has its own patterns and each individual woman her own style, which she passes on to her daughters. Any self-respecting woman would never repeat a previously used pattern. There are various types of pots, the largest of which is a a pot known as Chomo, distictive for its narrowing neck. This pot, which holds between 25 and 50 litres, is normally used for brewing beer.